Safe Speed Forums

Ministers are considering introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling.

It would mean cyclists who kill or seriously hurt pedestrians would be prosecuted in the same way as drivers.

A Bill is to be presented by Tory MP Andrea Leadsom, who has campaigned on behalf of a family whose teenage daughter was killed by a reckless cyclist.

Rhiannon Bennett, 17, was walking with friends in Buckingham in April 2007 when cyclist Jason Howard approached the group at speed, yelling, 'Move! I’m not stopping!'

He was travelling so fast the group had no time to act. He hit Rhiannon and knocked her over, and she smashed her head against the kerb.

She was taken to hospital with head injuries and died six days later.

Magistrates later convicted Howard, then 36, of Buckingham, of dangerous cycling and fined him £2,200.

By comparison a motorist convicted of causing death by dangerous driving faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail.

[Edited to add the ongoing story ....]
Detailing the case in the Commons Mrs Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: ‘There needs to be a charge that reflects the seriousness and consequences of a cyclist’s actions.’
New legislation: Ministers are considering introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling

New legislation: Ministers are considering introducing a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling
Enlarge Jason Howard

Cyclist: Jason Howard, 36, rode his bike into Rhiannon Bennett on the pavement causing her death

A Department of Transport spokesman said the Bill was being considered, but did not confirm that it would be supported by the Government.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: ‘I have met Rhiannon Bennett’s family and have the deepest sympathy with them.

‘I am clear that everyone who uses the road, including cyclists, has a responsibility to behave safely and with consideration for others.
‘My department will consider the merits of the proposed Dangerous and Reckless Cycling Bill in consultation with the Ministry of Justice.’

So-called ‘Lycra louts’ are criticised for cycling on pavements, and ignoring the rules of the road by weaving between vehicles, switching lanes without giving notice and cycling through red lights.
The aggressive and dangerous antics of some cyclists were criticised in a report by MPs in 2009 and described as ‘Darth Vaders on wheels’ by one MP.

In January 2008, a commuter complained that David Cameron, then the Leader of the Opposition sped through a set of lights in Parliament Square in London and almost hit him.

The commuter said: ‘He kept saying, “Well, I haven’t collided with anyone, have I?”’

Surely this should have been simply a manslaughter charge?

So if your logic is followed (I'm not saying your logic is wrong) then manslaughter should also be applied instead of 'death by dangerous driving'.

I'm with Peter on this one. Just because one applies to motorists, it doesn't mean there should be a specific "death by dangerous..." offence applied to anyone - including motorists.
What's wrong with 'aggravated manslaughter'?

cyclist Jason Howard approached the group at speed, yelling, 'Move! I’m not stopping!'

He was travelling so fast the group had no time to act.

I wonder if he was being aggressive or trying to let them know he could not stop?

This particular case ("Move! I’m not stopping") is no better than any 'death by dangerous driving' offence.

So if your logic is followed (I'm not saying your logic is wrong) then manslaughter should also be applied instead of 'death by dangerous driving'.

If cyclists and pedestrians were more aware of 'passing guidelines' would this not make the situation 'safer'? If there were a rule that all cycles pass on one side of the path / track etc then peds when starting their walk with 'know' which side to be on and cycles will also use the 'correct' area ...